Midland Garage Conversions

garage conversion questions

Is a Garage Conversion Cost Effective?

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Throughout our lives we will outgrow our home on more than one occasion. For most people the logical next step is to start the process of looking for another home. The costs involved in moving house can be eye-watering. Solicitors fees, estate agent fees, stamp duty, remortgage fees, removal companies, post redirection and other costs can all add up to five figures. This is dead money; there is nothing material to show from this, it’s just the cost of choosing to move. This is a source of real frustration for many homebuyers.

On top of the financial burden a house move creates, there are months of stress and upheaval. A house can easily take more than six months to sell, especially when there is a chain involved. An independent survey by Index Digital showed moving house is the most stressful life event according to the British public, ranking higher than a divorce or having a child.

Having a garage conversion to increase the usable space in your home can be a fantastic alternative to all this stress and financial outlay. The average cost of moving home in the UK is £10,255 in 2024 according to Homeowners Alliance. Comparably, a single garage conversion (which can be used as a bedroom/bathroom, an open plan kitchen, an office, a studio etc) will cost around £15,000 and add value of around £20,000 to your home. So for the initial outlay, the average person can make £5,000 profit from converting a garage compared to losing £10,255 on moving home. That’s is a difference of over £15,000.

Equally, the average single garage conversion takes Midland Garage Conversions just two weeks. We take care of all certification including building control and project manage everything for you. There’s no paperwork (other than our agreement) to contend with, no solicitors, estate agents or tax calculations. There is very little disruption to your main living area because we’re tucked away working in the garage. Apart from the odd cup of tea, you’ll barely know we’re there! By comparison, a house move will take anywhere between six months to a year of stress, uncertainty and disruption.

Finally the number one reason people choose to move home in the UK is they want more space. Often the emotional wrench of leaving friends, family, schools and neighbours behind is tough. Again, a garage conversion lets you expand into your own home, surrounded by the people and things you love.

If you find yourself needing more space then consider a garage conversion as an alternative to moving home. Low stress, quick and efficient and the added bonus of adding value to your home.

Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Your Convert Your Garage

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Is Your Garage Suitable?

Firstly you should ensure that converting your garage will not create any problems for you. Have you got somewhere safe to store the belongings you keep in the garage? Do you park your car there and if so, do you have a viable alternative? For most people the space in the garage is underused and the property kept in there will fit easily into a garden shed or similar.

The second consideration is the layout. Is it attached to the main house? Will you be looking to create a bigger open plan space or just a door through to your new room? Will there still be outside access? Most garages follow a straightforward format and are easily absorbed into the the main fabric of the house but if you’re unsure then talk it through with your garage conversion specialist.

Do I need Building Control?

Usually, yes you do. In the vast majority of cases building control will be required. What this means is a certified building control officer will make an application to the council on your behalf. They will then inspect the works periodically and perform a final inspection at the end, after which you will receive your official building control certification. Your garage conversion specialist should liaise directly with the building control officers throughout the whole build to ensure all specifications and requirements are adhered to before the conversion is complete.

What other permissions do I need?

It is rare to need planning permission for a garage conversion but it is your responsibility to check with your local authority. For the most part it falls within permitted development rights and does not require planning. You should also check there are no restricted covenants on your home, although you can often overcome these for a small fee. A good contractor should be able to advise you on how to check if any of these apply to your project.

Will it add value?

Invariably the answer is yes. A habitable living space is of course more valuable than an unlivable storage space. Once you consider the cost of the conversion against the increase in value you usually find about a 25% uplift from the amount spent. Because it’s a lot cheaper than an equivalent sized extension it’s a very cost effective way to add both value and space to your home.

How do I choose my contractor?

Whilst it is possible to project manage individual trades yourself it would be advisable to get an expert in to quote for the whole project. Your contractor should have specific experience of garage conversions. They need to be completely up to date with current legislation, able to make suggestions and overcome any hitches along the way. We’d recommend someone who will deal with all the building control and electrical certification. Make sure your quote covers everything (including VAT) and is broken down into individual elements with a clear description of each stage and what it involves. If a quote is a page long it’s really not enough. Your contractor should be willing and able to answer any questions and be totally transparent about the contract before you sign.